contemporary equivalent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contemporary equivalent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that serves as a modern counterpart or substitute for something from the past. Example: "The smartphone is often seen as the contemporary equivalent of the traditional telephone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is not an obvious contemporary equivalent.

The New York Times - Arts

He has no contemporary equivalent.

The New York Times

Cyberspace is the contemporary equivalent of Lewis Carroll's wobbly wonderland.

Independent

Inspirations and influences: Halsman's contemporary equivalent is Annie Leibowitz - American celebrities' portrait photographer of choice.

The Guardian

This type isn't a bad contemporary equivalent for Jake's 1920's-style 1920's-styleisaffectedefensiveiness.

The New York Times

It has become the contemporary equivalent of 19th-century Manchester a workshop of the world.

The Economist

Hamill said he doubted that there could be a contemporary equivalent to Adams's execution picture.

The New Yorker

And no one has proposed the contemporary equivalent of "Bert the Turtle" -- yet.

The New York Times

It is the contemporary equivalent of shutting down the steel mills of the Industrial Age.

The New York Times

A kind of contemporary equivalent of Jonathan Swift, he became the scourge of pomposity and hypocrisy.

The New York Times - Arts

Boris Johnson, the closest contemporary equivalent of a Heseltine, is one exception.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contemporary equivalent" to bridge the gap between historical or outdated concepts and modern understanding, making your writing more relatable.

Common error

Avoid implying a perfect match when using "contemporary equivalent". The modern counterpart may have differences or limitations compared to the original.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contemporary equivalent" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or object of a preposition. It identifies something in the present that serves a similar role or purpose to something from the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Arts

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contemporary equivalent" is a versatile and widely used expression for drawing parallels between past and present concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, arts, and business contexts. When using the phrase, ensure the comparison is accurate and adds clarity to your writing. Alternatives such as "modern counterpart" or "present-day analogue" can add variety to your writing while maintaining a similar meaning. Remember, Ludwig's examples highlight that while it’s good practice to show the similarities, differences can exist as well.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modern counterpart

Focuses on the idea of something modern that serves the same purpose.

modern-day equivalent

A very direct substitution, stressing the modern timeframe.

present-time counterpart

Focuses on the idea of something in the present that serves the same purpose.

present-day analogue

Highlights a parallel or similarity in function in the current era.

current parallel

Emphasizes the similarity between something past and present.

contemporary parallel

Highlights a parallel or similarity in function in the current era.

today's version

Simplifies the idea to a more easily understood concept of a modern update.

modern iteration

Suggests an evolved or updated version of the original.

current iteration

Suggests an evolved or updated version in the present era.

the modern-day answer

Highlights the solution or resolution that exists today.

FAQs

How can I use "contemporary equivalent" in a sentence?

You can use "contemporary equivalent" to draw parallels between something from the past and something in the present. For example, "Streaming services are the "contemporary equivalent" of record stores."

What's a good substitute for "contemporary equivalent"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "modern counterpart", "present-day analogue", or "modern-day equivalent".

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "contemporary equivalent"?

While generally acceptable, "contemporary equivalent" is most effective when the comparison is accurate and adds clarity. Avoid using it if the link is tenuous or misleading.

What is the difference between "contemporary equivalent" and "modern equivalent"?

The terms are largely interchangeable. "Contemporary" emphasizes the current time period, while "modern" focuses on the departure from older styles or methods. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.